Rifle scope turret with tool-free zeroing

ABSTRACT

A viewing optic is disclosed. In one embodiment, the viewing optic is a rifle scope having a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body, a turret and a zero point adjustment subassembly. The turret includes a turret screw, a turret chassis subassembly and a turret cap. The turret screw defines a screw axis and is operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret cap at least partially overlaps the turret chassis subassembly. The zero point adjustment subassembly includes a zero cap connected to the turret screw and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism releasably secures the zero cap and the turret. The zero point adjustment subassembly permits adjustment of the zero point without the use of tools.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application of and claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/789,769 filed Jan. 8,2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to rifle scope turrets, and more particularly torifle scope turrets with tool-free adjustment capabilities.

BACKGROUND

In the context of rifle scopes, there are several features of riflescope turrets that are highly desirable to the user: the ability to lockthe turret at a dialed position, the inclusion of a zero stop mechanism,infinitely variable zeroing capabilities, tactile and visible revolutionindicators, and clear and positive clicking of turrets between eachdialed position.

It is critical for the user to know exactly how far a reticle has beenadjusted. Therefore, clear, tactile and audible clicks of the turret asit travels through each indicator position allows the user to dial theappropriate elevation without the need to read the engraved indicator ona turret cap. Since turret caps can rotate through several revolutions,and the shooter must know the revolution the turret is on so that thereticle's travel relative to zero is known, a tactile and visiblerevolution indicator is also critical. The tactile revolution indicatorand audible clicks make use of senses other than vision, which allowsthe user to remain in position behind the rifle scope, thereforedecreasing the time required to take an accurate shot. Once thecorrection has been dialed into the turret, locking the turret down toprevent it from inadvertently changing provides the shooter confidencein continuing to handle the rifle without risk of changing the setvalue. A zero-stop mechanism allows the user to easily return the scopeto zero after dialing the corrections into the turret and is anotherfeature greatly desired by the end user.

In addition to dialing the turret to correct for environmentalconditions, another critical task is the zeroing process. Before dialingthe turrets from a zero point, as described above, the zero must beestablished for a given scope, rifle, and ammunition combination.Present turrets that contain one or more of the features mentioned above(e.g., the ability to lock the turret at a dialed position, theinclusion of a zero stop mechanism, infinitely variable zeroingcapabilities, tactile and visible revolution indicators, and clear andpositive clicking of turrets between each dialed position) often requirecomplicated methods to zero the scope after mounting it to a rifle. Forexample, many turrets require removal of components from the turret andadditional tools. The removal of components from the turret createsunnecessary ingress points for moisture and debris. Further, the morecomponents are removed, the greater the risk of losing or damaging(e.g., wear and tear) the components. The requirement of additionaltools increases the amount of gear a shooter must pack and carry.

Accordingly, the need exists for a rifle scope turret that permitszeroing without the need for additional tools and/or removal ofcomponents, while still retaining the additional features (e.g., theability to lock the turret at a dialed position, the inclusion of a zerostop mechanism, infinitely variable zeroing capabilities, tactile andvisible revolution indicators, and clear and positive clicking ofturrets between each dialed position) desired by users.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides rifle scope comprising aturret with a zero point adjustment subassembly. In accordance withembodiments of the disclosure, the rifle scope comprises a scope body;movable optical element defining an optical axis connected to the scopebody; a turret comprising (A) a turret screw defining a screw axis andoperably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axisin response to rotation of the screw, (B) a turret chassis subassembly,and (C) a turret cap at least partially overlapping the turret chassissubassembly; and a zero point adjustment subassembly comprising (A) azero cap connected to the turret screw, and (B) a locking mechanismreleasably securing the zero cap and the turret.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, a locking mechanismfor a zero point adjustment subassembly comprises a lock ring, a camring, and a plurality of spring followers. In accordance with furtherembodiments of the disclosure, a locking mechanism for a zero pointadjustment subassembly comprises a lever, a conical wedge and a collet.In accordance with further embodiments of the disclosure, a lockingmechanism for a zero point adjustment subassembly comprises a brake discand a locking ring.

Other embodiments will be evident from a consideration of the drawingstaken together with the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a rifle scope in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the turret taken along line 2-2 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary turret in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the turret of FIG. 2 taken alongline 4-4 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the turret of FIG. 2 taken alongline 5-5 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a turret inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a turret inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the turret taken along line 8-8 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the turret taken along line 9-9 inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a turret inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the turret taken along line 11-11in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the turret taken along line 12-12in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective exploded view of a turret screw subassemblyin accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective exploded view of the turret screwsubassembly and turret housing in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the turret chassis and indicator inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of the cam disc in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 16B is a bottom perspective view of the cam disc in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the cam disc inserted into the turret chassisin accordance with embodiments of the disclosure with the cam discrendered partially transparent.

FIG. 18A is a top perspective exploded view of the turret chassissubassembly in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 18B is a side sectional view of the turret chassis subassembly inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a top perspective exploded view of the turret chassissubassembly, turret screw subassembly and turret housing in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 19B is a side sectional view of the turret chassis subassembly,turret screw subassembly and turret housing in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichembodiments of the disclosure are shown. The apparatuses and methodsdisclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will bethorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the inventionto those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the set offeatures and/or capabilities may be readily adapted within the contextof a standalone weapons sight, front-mount or rear-mount clip-on weaponssight, and other permutations of filed deployed optical weapons sights.Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variouscombinations of features and capabilities may be incorporated intoadd-on modules for retrofitting existing fixed or variable weaponssights of any variety.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer.Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and/orsections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element, component, region, or section from another element,component, region, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region,or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, or section without departing from the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below,” or “beneath”other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompassboth an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwiseoriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatiallyrelative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

All patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature referencesare incorporated herein in their entireties.

Definitions

The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and thus mayinclude values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated.Numerical ranges include all values from and including the lower and theupper values, in increments of one unit, provided that there is aseparation of at least two units between any lower value and any highervalue. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property,such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, etc., is from 100 to1,000, it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102,etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc.,are expressly enumerated. For ranges containing values which are lessthan one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1,1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1, asappropriate. For ranges containing single digit numbers less than ten(e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These areonly examples of what is specifically intended, and all possiblecombinations of numerical values between the lowest value and thehighest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated inthis disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided within this disclosurefor, among other things, distances from a user of a device to a target.

The term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein isintended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone).Likewise, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and/or C”is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C;A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A(alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

As used herein, an “erector sleeve” is a protrusion from the erectorlens mount which engages a slot in the erector tube and/or cam tube orwhich serves an analogous purpose. This could be integral to the mountor detachable.

As used herein, an “erector tube” is any structure or device having anopening to receive an erector lens mount.

As used herein, a “firearm” is a portable gun, being a barreled weaponthat launches one or more projectiles often driven by the action of anexplosive force. As used herein, the term “firearm” includes a handgun,a long gun, a rifle, shotgun, a carbine, automatic weapons,semi-automatic weapons, a machine gun, a sub-machine gun, an automaticrifle, and an assault rifle.

As used herein, the term “viewing optic” refers to an apparatus used bya shooter or a spotter to select, identify or monitor a target. The“viewing optic” may rely on visual observation of the target, or, forexample, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave,or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope andparticle radiation, night vision, vibrational receptors includingultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance,gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio wave,television and cellular receptors, or other image of the target. Theimage of the target presented to the shooter by the “viewing optic”device may be unaltered, or it may be enhanced, for example, bymagnification, amplification, subtraction, superimposition, filtration,stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected,identified or monitored by the “viewing optic” may be within the line ofsight of the shooter, or tangential to the sight of the shooter, or theshooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisitiondevice presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The imageof the target acquired by the “viewing optic” may be, for example,analog or digital, and shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within anetwork of one or more shooters and spotters by, for example, video,physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellular connections, laserpulse, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using, forexample, protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth™,Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method. The term“viewing optic” is used interchangeably with “optic sight.”

As used herein, the term “outward scene” refers to a real world scene,including but not limited to a target.

As used herein, the term “shooter” applies to either the operator makingthe shot or an individual observing the shot in collaboration with theoperator making the shot.

As used herein, “zeroing” refers to aligning the point of aim (what theshooter is aiming at) and the point of impact (where the bullet firedfrom the firearm is actually hitting) at a specific distance. In oneembodiment, zeroing is the process of adjusting a rifle scope to asetting in which accurate allowance has been made for both windage andelevation for a specified range.

The disclosure relates to viewing optic turrets. In one embodiment, thedisclosure relates to rifle scope turrets, and more particularly torifle scope turrets having zero adjustment mechanisms that do notrequire tools to make adjustments. Certain preferred and illustrativeembodiments of the disclosure are described below. The disclosure is notlimited to these embodiments.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a rifle scope 10, generally, in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The rifle scope 10 has a body 12 thatencloses a movable optical element 13, which is an erector tube. Thescope body 12 is an elongate tube having a larger opening at its front14 and a smaller opening at its rear 16. An eyepiece 18 is attached tothe rear of the scope body 12, and an objective lens 20 is attached tothe front of the scope body 12. The center axis of the movable opticalelement 13 defines the optical axis 17 of the rifle scope 10.

An elevation turret 22 and a windage turret 24 are two knobs in theoutside center part of the scope body 12. They are marked in incrementsby indicia 34 on their perimeters 30 and 32 and are used to adjust theelevation and windage of the movable optical element 13 for points ofimpact change. These knobs 22, 24 protrude from the turret housing 36.The turrets 22, 24 are arranged so that the elevation turret rotationaxis 26 is perpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 28. Indiciatypically include tick marks, each corresponding to a click, and largertick marks at selected intervals, as well as numerals indicating angleof adjustment or distance for bullet drop compensation.

The movable optical element 13 is adjusted by rotating the turrets oneor more clicks. A click is one tactile adjustment increment on thewindage or elevation turret of the rifle scope 10, each of whichcorresponds to one of the indicial 34. In the current embodiment, oneclick changes the scope's point of impact by 0.1 milliradians (mrad).However, the turrets, systems and concepts disclosed herein can be usedwith other measures of increments. In other embodiments, the incrementscan be minutes of angle (MOA) increments.

Using the turrets 22, 24 to adjust the elevation and windage of themovable optical element 13 adjusts the elevation and windage relative toa zero point. That zero point must be established, and, in someinstances, it is even desirable to adjust the zero point. Eachcombination of scope, rifle, and ammunition type may have its own zeropoint. The zero point for each turret 22, 24 is generally provided as afeature on the given turret. While FIGS. 4-10 illustrate exemplaryturrets including a zero point adjustment subassembly 500 in combinationwith an elevation turret 22, it will be appreciated that the zero pointadjustment subassembly 500 may be used with any adjustment turret,including but not limited to a windage turret or parallax adjustmentmechanisms.

FIGS. 3-12 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a turret 22 having a zeropoint adjustment subassembly 500. Generally, a turret 22 includes aturret screw 38, a turret chassis subassembly 230, and a turret cap 501.The turret screw 38 defines a screw axis and is operably connected tothe optical element 13 for adjusting the optical element 13 in responseto rotation of the screw 38. The turret chassis subassembly 230 includesa turret chassis 100 and the additional components required toaccomplish the elevation (or other) adjustment permitted by the turret22. Exemplary turret chassis subassemblies will be described in furtherdetail.

The turret cap 501 sits over the turret chassis subassembly 230 and isthe structure that includes the indicia 34 and, if provided, othervisual and/or tactile features. The turret cap 501 has an upper surface502 that defines a recess 504 (not shown) that is generally circular andcentrally located on the turret cap 501. The recess has an upper surface506 that is generally flat. An opening (not shown) runs through thecenter of the turret cap 501 through which the turret screw 38protrudes.

A zero point adjustment subassembly 500, in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein, includes a zero cap 510 that connects, directly orindirectly, with the turret screw 38, and a locking mechanism to securethe zero cap 510 to the turret cap 501. As shown in the FIGS. 3-12, thezero cap 510 is positioned in the recess 504 of the turret cap 501 withat least one component of the locking mechanism positioned between thezero cap 510 and the upper surface 506 of the recess 504.

In the representative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, the lockingmechanism comprises a lock ring 530, a cam ring 540, a plurality ofspring followers 550, and a lock ring lock button 539. The lock ring530, cam ring 540 and zero cap 510 are positioned concentrically withinthe recess 504 with the cam ring 540 being externally concentric withthe zero cap 510 and the lock ring 530 being externally concentric withboth the cam ring 540 and zero cap 510. The zero cap 510 has a downwardprotruding stem 512 that engages the turret screw 38. A flange 542 onthe cam ring 540 sits on top of the peripheral edge 514 of the zero cap510 and retains the zero cap 510 in the turret cap 501. The lock ring530 sits on top of a second flange 544 of the cam ring 540 and engagesthe turret cap 501 to retain the cam ring 540.

The spring followers 550 are sandwiched between the zero cap 510 and theupper surface 506 of the recess 504. The spring followers 550 contactthe outer surface 516 of the downward protruding stem 512. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the tails 552 of the spring followers 550are shown free; however, the tails 552 of the spring followers 550 aregenerally secured to the underside of the zero cap 510 using a fastener.The fastener is not shown in FIG. 5 for clarity and in order to show thegeometry of the spring followers 550.

As shown in FIG. 4, the zero point adjustment subassembly 500 is in itslocked position. The inner surface 546 of the cam ring 540 has at leasttwo (e.g., in the embodiment shown, three) ramped surfaces 548. In FIG.4, each of the spring followers 550 is engaged with the thickest end ofthe ramped surfaces 548, meaning the spring followers 550 are applyingforce to the zero cap 510 and prohibit the zero cap 510 from freelyspinning. Turning the cam ring 540 in the counterclockwise direction(relative to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 4) results in the springfollowers 550 being aligned with the thinner ends of the ramped surfaces548. Thus, less (or no) force is exerted on the zero cap 510 and thezero cap 510 freely spins within the recess 504. Rotation of the camring 540 in the clockwise direction results in the spring followers 550realigning with the thickest ends of the ramped surfaces 548 and thezero cap 510 being once again locked in position.

It will be appreciated that the zero point adjustment subassembly 500permits adjustment of the zero point without the use of tools. That is,a user can rotate the cam ring 540 and zero cap 510 by hand. This savestime and does not require a user to turn away from the rifle scope tomake any zero point adjustments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of a zero point adjustmentsubassembly 500′ in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the zero cap 510′ includes a lever 513′with a pivot point 513 a′. The lever 513′ has a stem 515′ that projectsthrough an opening 511′ in the zero cap 510′ and connects with theturret screw 38. The locking mechanism includes conical wedge 521′ and acollet 523′. The conical wedge 521′ is positioned around the turretscrew 38 and partially extends through the opening (not shown) of theturret cap 501. The conical wedge 521′ is operatively connected with thelever 513′ such that actuation of the lever 513′ causes verticalmovement of the conical wedge 521′, as described in further detailbelow. The collet 523′ also has a central opening and sits in the recess504 (not shown) of the turret cap 501 externally concentric with theturret screw 38 and conical wedge 521′.

As shown in FIG. 6, the zero point adjustment subassembly 500′ is in thelocked position. The lever 513′ is flush against the upper surface ofthe zero cap 510′. The conical wedge 521′ has an increasing lower radius(wedge-like radius) and, in this locked position, the conical wedge 521′has been forced upwards by the lever 513′ such that the thicker portion521 a′ of the conical wedge 521′ contacts the flange 523 a′ of thecollet 523′, causing the collet 523′ to expand radially outward into theturret cap 501 and lock the zero cap 510′ from freely spinning. Toadjust the zero point, the lever 513′ is flipped along its pivot point513 a′, which lowers the conical wedge 521′. With the collet 523′disengaged from the conical wedge 521′, the zero cap 510′ can spinfreely.

It will be appreciated that the zero point adjustment subassembly 500′permits adjustment of the zero point without the use of tools. That is,a user can actuate the lever 513′ and rotate the zero cap 510′ by hand.This saves time and does not require a user to turn away from the riflescope to make any zero point adjustments.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a further embodiment of a zero point adjustmentsubassembly 500″ in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Thezero point adjustment subassembly 500″ includes the zero cap 510′″ andthe locking mechanism 520″. The locking mechanism 520″ includes a brakedisc 527″ and a lock ring 530″.

As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the zero cap 510′″ engages the turret screw 38and sits in the recess (not shown) of the turret cap 501. The brake disc527″ is circular with a central opening and sits over a flange 514″ ofthe zero cap 510″ in the recess. The brake disc 527″ is keyed to theturret cap 501 via the mating of projections 527 a″ on the brake disc527″ with recesses 501 a″ on the inside wall of the turret cap 501. Thebrake disc 527″ is therefore prohibited from rotating but is free totranslate vertically. The lock ring 530″ is externally concentric to thezero cap 510″ and the brake disc 527″ and rotatably secured with theturret cap 501 via a threaded engagement. As the lock ring 530″ isrotated into a locked position (e.g., clockwise), its verticaltranslation downward applies a force to the brake disc 527″. The brakedisc 527″ transfers that downward force to the zero cap 510″ that isthereby prohibited from freely spinning. Rotation of the lock ring 530″in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) releases the force onthe brake disc 527″, and therefore zero cap 510″, to allow the zero cap510″ to freely spin in the turret cap 501.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a further embodiment of a zero point adjustmentsubassembly 500′″, which is a variation of subassembly 500″, inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The zero point adjustmentsubassembly 500′″ includes the zero cap 510′″ and the locking mechanism520″ which is composed of the locking ring 530′″, a brake disc 527′″,and a lock ring lock button 539′″. The locking ring 530′″, brake disc527′″ and zero cap 510′″ are all positioned concentrically within therecess (not shown) with the brake disc 527′″ being externally concentricwith the zero cap 510′″ and the lock ring 530′″ being externallyconcentric with both the brake disc 527′″ and the zero cap 510′″. Thezero cap 510′″ has a downward protruding stem 512′″ that engages theturret screw 38. A flange 542 on the brake disc 527′″ sits on top of atleast a portion of the upper surface 516′″ of the zero cap 510′″ andretains the zero cap 510′″ in the turret cap 501. The locking ring 530′″sits on top of a flange 518′″ of the brake disc 527′″ and engages theturret cap 501. In the embodiment shown, the locking ring 530′″ is inthreaded engagement with the turret cap 501.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the zero cap 510′″ engages the turret screw 38and sits in the recess (not shown) of the turret cap 501. The brake disc527′″ is circular with a central opening and sits over a flange 514′″ ofthe zero cap 510′″ in the recess. The brake disc 527′″ is keyed to theturret cap 501 via the mating of projections 527 a′″ on the brake disc527′″ with recesses 501 a′″ on the inside wall of the turret cap 501.The brake disc 527′″ is therefore prohibited from rotating but is freeto translate vertically. The lock ring 530′″ is externally concentric tothe zero cap 510′″ and the brake disc 527′″ and rotatably secured withthe turret cap 501 via a threaded engagement. As the lock ring 530′″ isrotated into a locked position (e.g., clockwise), its verticaltranslation downward applies a force to the brake disc 527′″. The brakedisc 527′″ transfers that downward force to the zero cap 510′″ that isthereby prohibited from freely spinning. Rotation of the lock ring 530′″in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) releases the force onthe brake disc 527′″, and therefore zero cap 510′″, to allow the zerocap 510′″ to freely spin in the turret cap 501.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the zero point adjustment subassembly 500′″further includes a lock ring lock button 539′″. The lock ring lockbutton 539′″ includes and outer portion 539 a″″ which, in the embodimentshown, is a portion of the turret cap 501 and includes a tactile elementdifferent from the surrounding portions of the turret cap 501. As shownin FIGS. 10-12, the lock ring lock button 539′″ is in its lockedposition, meaning rotation of the lock ring 530, and therefore zero cap510′″ is prohibited. Referring to FIG. 11, the lock ring lock button539′″ is provided at least one (in the embodiment shown, two)spring-containing guide-rods 539 b′″. Once the upper surface 539 c′″ ofthe button 539′″ is below the level of the lock ring 530′″, the lockring 530′″ can be freely rotated. The under surface of the lock ring530′″ will cover the button 539′″ to prevent the lock ring lock button539′″ from returning to its locked position while a user is makingadjustments. One will appreciate that the springs of thespring-containing guide-rods 539 b′″ “automatically” force the button539′″ back upward into the locked position once the user has rotated thelock ring 530′″ into the rotationally locked position.

Referring to FIG. 12, the turret cap 501 further includes a groove 539d′″ and the locking ring 530′″ further includes a correspondingprotuberance 539 e′″. The groove 539 d′″/protuberance 539 e′″ systemlimits rotation of the locking ring 530′″ while the lock ring lockbutton 539′″ is depressed. This ensures that the parts of thesubassembly 500′″ are captive in addition to limiting rotation. Sincerotation is limited, the locking ring 530′″ cannot be unthreaded andremoved from the turret cap 501.

It will be appreciated that the zero point adjustment subassemblies 500″and 500′″ permit adjustment of the zero point without the use of tools.That is, a user can rotate the lock ring 530″/530′″ and zero cap510″/510′″ by hand and similarly manipulate the other components of thesubassemblies 500″ and 500′″ by hand. This saves time and does notrequire a user to turn away from the rifle scope to make any zero pointadjustments.

While the zero point adjustment subassemblys 500, 500′, 500″ and 500′″described above can be used with many different styles of chassissubassemblies, the exemplary turret chassis subassembly 400 illustratedin FIGS. 3-12 is in accordance with that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,919,026 which is incorporated herein by reference. Such an exemplaryturret chassis subassembly 230 will now be described in further detail.

As shown in FIG. 13, the turret screw 38 is part of a turret screwsubassembly 88. The turret screw subassembly consists of the turretscrew 38, a turret screw base 60, a friction pad 86, and variousfasteners. The turret screw 38 in the embodiment shown is a cylindricalbody made of brass. The top 40 of the turret screw 38 defines a slot orother feature, such as threads, 40 that engage the zero point adjustmentsubassembly 500 (not shown). Two opposing cam slots 46 run from the toppart way down the side 44. Two o-ring grooves 50 and 52 are on the sidelocated below the cam slots. The bottom 42 of the turret screw has areduced radius portion 56 that defines a ring slot 54. The ring slot 54receives a retaining ring 84, and a bore 304 in the bottom receives theshaft 306 of the friction pad 86. The side of the turret screwimmediately below the o-ring groove 52 and above the ring slot 54 is athreaded portion 58.

The turret screw base 60 is a disc-shaped body that may also be made ofbrass. A cylindrical collar 66 rises from the center to the top 62 ofthe turret screw base. The collar has a turret screw bore 68 withthreads 70. The exterior of the collar defines a set screw V-groove 78above the top of the turret screw base, an o-ring groove 74 above theo-ring groove 76, and a ring slot 72 above the o-ring groove 74. Theturret screw base 60 has three mount holes 82 with smooth sides and ashoulder that receives screws 80.

The fitting of the turret screw subassembly 88 to the turret housing 36is shown in FIG. 14. The top 92 of the turret housing defines a recess94. Three mount holes 96 with threads 98 and a smooth central bore 508are defined in the top of the turret housing within the recess. Thethreads 70 of the turret screw bore 68 are such that the turret screwbore may receive the threads 58 on the turret screw 38. The retainingring 84 limits upward travel of the turret screw 38 so that the turretscrew 38 cannot be inadvertently removed from the turret screw bore.

When the turret screw subassembly 88 is mounted on the turret housing36, screws 80 are inserted into the mount holes 82 and protrude from thebottom 64 of the turret screw base. The screws are then screwed into themount holes 96 in the turret housing. Subsequently, the turret screwbase remains in a fixed position with respect to the scope body 12 whenthe elevation turret 22 is rotated. This essentially makes the turretscrew base functionally unitary with the scope body, and the turretscrew base is not intended to be removed or adjusted by the user. Thesmooth central bore 508 in the top of the turret housing permits passageof the friction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the turret screw 38 into thescope body 12.

Turning to FIG. 15, the top 110 of the turret chassis 100 has aninterior perimeter 102 with a relief cut 240 adjacent to the floor 264,a toothed surface 108 above the relief cut, a lower click groove 106above the toothed surface 108, and an upper click groove 104 above thelower click groove 106. The relieve cut 240 is for the tool that cutsthe toothed surface 108. The floor defines a smooth central bore 120 anda slot 122. The smooth central bore 120 permits passage of the frictionpad 86 and the bottom 42 of the turret screw 38 through the turretchassis 100.

The exterior perimeter 112 of the turret chassis 100 defines an o-ringgroove 244. Near the bottom 116 of the turret chassis, the exteriorperimeter widens to define a shoulder 114. Three holes 118 with threads158 communicate from the exterior perimeter through the turret chassisto the smooth bore 120. In the current embodiment, the turret chassis100 is made of steel.

The slot 122 in the floor 264 of the turret chassis 100 communicateswith a hole 124 in the exterior perimeter 112 of the turret chassis 100.The hole 124 receives an indicator, such as an elevation indicator 136.

The rear 140 of the indicator 136 defines a cam pin hole 154. The front138 of the indicator 136 has two stripes 148 and 150 and an o-ringgroove 152. The stripe 148 divides a first position 142 from a secondposition 144. The stripe 150 divides a second position 144 from a thirdposition 146. As shown, the elevation indicator 136 is made of paintedblack steel and the stripes are white lines that do not glow, but whichcould be luminous in an alternative embodiment.

The cam pin hole 154 receives the bottom 134 of a cam pin 126. In thecurrent embodiment, the cam pin is a cylindrical body made of steel. Thetop 128 of the cam pin 126 has a reduced radius portion 130 that definesa shoulder 132. The reduced radius portion of the cam pin protrudesupward through the slot 122 above the floor 264 of the turret chassis100.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a cam disc 160 with a top face 162 and abottom face 164. The top face 162 has a reduced radius portion 166 thatdefines a shoulder 168 around the exterior perimeter 170 of the cam disc160. The top face 162 also defines three mount holes 180 with threads182. A reduced radius central portion 176 defines a shoulder 172 and asmooth central bore 178. The smooth central bore 178 permits passage ofthe turret screw subassembly 88 through the cam disc 160.

A radial clicker channel 186 in the top 162 of the exterior perimeter170 receives a clicker 188 that reciprocates in the channel 186, and isbiased radially outward. The front, free end 190 of the clicker 186protrudes from the exterior perimeter 170. The clicker 186 has a wedgeshape with a vertical vertex parallel to the axis of rotation of theturret and is made of steel.

The bottom 164 of the cam disc 160 is a planar surface perpendicular tothe elevation turret rotation axis 26 that defines a recessed spiralchannel 184. The spiral channel 184 terminates in a zero stop surface198 when traveled in a clockwise direction and terminates in an end oftravel stop surface 200 when traveled in a counterclockwise direction.When traveled in a counterclockwise direction, the spiral channel 184defines a first transition 194 and a second transition 196 when thespiral channel begins to overlap itself for the first time and secondtime, respectively. The spiral channel 184 is adapted to receive thereduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The spiral channel 184and the stop surfaces 198, 200 are integral to the cam disc 160 and arenot adjustable

FIG. 17 the cam disc 160 is shown installed in the turret chassis 100.The spiral channel 184 receives the reduced radius portion 130 of thecam pin 126. The clicker 188 protrudes from the clicker channel 186 inthe exterior perimeter 170 of the cam disc 160. A spring 202 at the rear192 of the clicker 188 outwardly biases the clicker 188 such that theclicker 188 is biased to engage with the toothed surface 108 on theinterior perimeter 102 of the turret chassis 100. When the cam disc 160rotates as the turret 22 is rotated when changing settings (e.g.,elevation settings), the clicker 188 travels over the toothed surface108, thereby providing a rotational, resistant force and making acharacteristic clicking sound.

In the embodiment shown, the toothed surface 108 has 100 teeth, whichenables 100 clicks per rotation of the elevation turret 22. The spiralchannel 184 is formed of a several arcs of constant radius that arecentered on the disc center, and extend nearly to a full circle, andwhose ends are joined by transition portions of the channel, so that oneend of the inner arc is connected to the end of the next arc, and so onto effectively form a stepped spiral. This provides for the indicator toremain in one position for most of the rotation, and to transition onlyin a limited portion of turret rotation. In an alternative embodimentthe spiral may be a true spiral with the channel increasing in itsradial position in proportion to its rotational position. In the mostbasic embodiment, the channel has its ends at different radialpositions, with the channel extending more than 360 degrees, the endsbeing radially separated by material, and allowing a full 360 degreecircle of rotation with the stop provided at each channel end.

The turret 22 is positioned at the indicium 34 corresponding to 0° ofadjustment when the cam pin 126 is flush with the zero stop surface 198.In an embodiment, the spiral channel 184 holds the cam pin 126 in acircular arc segment at a constant distance from the rotation axis 26until the elevation turret has rotated 9 mrad (324°). The firsttransition 194 occurs as the turret 22 rotates counterclockwise from 9mrad (324°) to 10 mrad (360°). During the first transition, the spiralchannel 184 shifts the cam pin 126 towards the exterior perimeter 170 sothe spiral channel 184 can begin overlapping itself. As the turret 22continues its counterclockwise rotation, the spiral channel 184 holdsthe cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment at a constant further distancefrom the rotation axis 26 until the elevation turret has rotated 19 mrad(684°). The second transition 196 occurs as the turret 22 rotatescounterclockwise from 19 mrad (684°) to 20 mrad (720°). During thesecond transition, the spiral channel shifts the cam pin 126 evenfurther towards the exterior perimeter 170 so the spiral channel 184 canoverlap itself a second time. As the turret 22 continues itscounterclockwise rotation, the spiral channel 184 holds the cam pin 126in a circular arc segment at a constant even further distance from thecentral bore 178 until the elevation turret has rotated 28.5 mrad(1026°). At that time, the cam pin 126 is flush with the end of travelstop surface 200, and further counterclockwise rotation of the turret 22and elevation adjustment are prevented. In the embodiment shown, thefirst and second transitions 194, 196 are angled at about 36° (10% ofthe rotation) to enable adequate wall thickness between the concentriccircular arc segments about the rotation axis 26 of the spiral channel.The cam pin diameter determines the overall diameter of the turret.Because there are three rotations, any increase in diameter will bemultiplied by three in how it affects the overall turret diameter. In anembodiment, a cam pin diameter of 1.5 mm provides adequate strengthwhile remaining small enough to keep the overall diameter of the turretfrom becoming too large.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate the complete turret chassis subassembly230. The turret chassis subassembly 230 is assembled by inserting alocking gear 206 into the turret chassis 100 on top of the cam disc 160.The turret chassis subassembly 230 is shown in the locked position inFIG. 15B.

The locking gear 206 has a top 208 and a bottom 210. The top 208 definesthree mount holes 216 with threads 218. The locking gear 206 alsodefines three smooth mount holes 220 and a central smooth bore 222. Thebottom 210 of the locking gear 206 defines a toothed surface 214. Thetoothed surface 214 extends downward below the bottom 210 of the lockinggear 206 to encircle the reduced radius portion 166 of the top 162 ofthe cam disc 160 when the chassis subassembly 230 is assembled. In thecurrent embodiment, the toothed surface 214 has 100 teeth to meshprecisely with the 100 teeth of the toothed surface 108 on the interiorperimeter 102 of the turret chassis 100 when the elevation turret 22 islocked.

Four ball bearings 226 protrude outwards from bores 232 in the exteriorperimeter 212 located between the toothed surface and the top. Springs400 located behind the ball bearings outwardly bias the ball bearingssuch that the ball bearings are biased to engage with the upper clickgroove 104 and lower click groove 106 on the interior perimeter 102 ofthe turret chassis 100. When the locking gear rises and towers as theturret 22 is unlocked and locked, the ball bearings 226 travel betweenthe lower and upper click grooves 104, 106, thereby providing avertical, resistant force and making a characteristic clicking sound.

When the turret chassis subassembly 230 is assembled, screws 224 areinserted into the mount holes 220 and protrude from the bottom 210 ofthe locking gear 206. The screws 224 are then screwed into the mountholes 180 in the top 162 of the cam disc 160 to mount the locking gear206 to the cam disc 160. Subsequently, the locking gear 206 remains in afixed rotational position with respect to the cam disc 160 when theturret 22 is unlocked and rotated. The heads 234 of the screws 224 arethinner than the depth of the mount holes 220 from the top 208 of thelocking gear 206 to the shoulders 236. The screws 224 have shoulders 228that contact the top 162 of the cam disc 160 when the screws aresecured. As a result, the locking gear 206 is free to be raised untilthe heads 234 of the screws 224 contact the shoulders 236 and to belowered until the bottom of the locking gear 206 contacts the top 162 ofthe cam disc 160. This vertical movement is sufficient for the toothedsurface 214 of the locking gear 206 to be raised above the toothedsurface 108 of the turret chassis 100, thereby enabling the elevation 22turret to be unlocked and free to rotate.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate the turret chassis subassembly 230, screwsubassembly 88, and turret housing 36. More particularly, the turretchassis subassembly 230 is shown assembled and in the process of beingmounted on the turret screw subassembly 88 in FIG. 19A and mounted onthe turret screw subassembly in FIG. 19B.

When the turret chassis subassembly 230 is mounted on the turret screwsubassembly 88, the top 40 of the turret screw 38 and the collar 66 ofthe turret screw base 60 pass upwards through the smooth central bore120 of the turret chassis 100, the smooth central bore 178 of the camdisc 160, and the smooth central bore 222 of the locking gear 206. Aretaining ring 246 is received by the ring slot 72 in the collar 66 toprevent the turret chassis subassembly 230 from being lifted from theturret screw subassembly 88. Three recesses 245 in the bottom 116 of theturret chassis 100 receive the heads of the screws 80 that protrude fromthe top 62 of the turret screw base 60 so the bottom 116 of the turretchassis 100 can sit flush against the top 92 of the turret housing 36.

With the turret chassis subassembly 230 is described above with respectto a turret, which is an elevation turret, one of skill in the art willappreciate that similar designs may be used for turrets that make otheradjustments, such as windage turrets. Further, the turret chassissubassembly 230 described above is described with respect to a zeropoint adjustment subassembly in accordance with embodiment 500. It willbe appreciated that the turret chassis subassemblies 230 describedherein can be implemented with any embodiment of the zero pointadjustment subassembly 500, 500′, 500″, 500′″ or combination ofembodiments described herein.

Various modifications and variations of the described compositions andmethods of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Oneskilled in the art will recognize at once that it would be possible toconstruct the present invention from a variety of materials and in avariety of different ways. Although the invention has been described inconnection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understoodthat the invention should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. While the preferred embodiments have been described indetail, and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident thatvarious further modification are possible without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Indeed,various modifications of the described modes for carrying out theinvention which are obvious to those skilled in marksmanship or relatedfields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rifle scope comprising: a scope body; a movableoptical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body; aturret comprising (A) a turret screw defining a screw axis and operablyconnected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis inresponse to rotation of the screw, (B) a turret chassis subassembly, and(C) a turret cap at least partially overlapping the turret chassissubassembly, wherein the turret cap has an upper surface defining arecess and wherein the recess has an upper surface; and a zero pointadjustment subassembly comprising (a) a zero cap connected to the turretscrew and positioned in the recess of the turret cap, and (b) a lockingmechanism releasably securing the zero cap and the turret cap, whereinat least one component of the locking mechanism is positioned betweenthe zero cap and the upper surface of the recess.
 2. The rifle scope ofclaim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a brake disc and alocking ring.
 3. The rifle scope of claim 2, wherein the upper surfaceof the turret cap defines a recess, and the zero cap, brake disc andlock ring are concentrically positioned in the recess.
 4. The riflescope of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a lockring lock button.
 5. The rifle scope of claim 4, wherein the lock ringlock button is formed in the turret cap and comprises at least onespring-containing guide-rod.
 6. The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a lock ring, a cam ring and a plurality ofspring followers.
 7. The rifle scope of claim 6, wherein the uppersurface of the turret cap defines a recess, and the zero cap, cam ringand lock ring are concentrically positioned in the recess.
 8. The riflescope of claim 7, wherein the plurality of spring followers aresandwiched between the zero cap and an upper surface of the recess. 9.The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises alever, a conical wedge, and a collet.
 10. The rifle scope of claim 9,wherein the lever is connected to the turret screw.
 11. The rifle scopeof claim 10, wherein the conical wedge is positioned around the turretscrew.
 12. The rifle scope of claim 11, wherein the zero cap has acentral opening through which the lever connects to the turret screw.13. The rifle scope of claim 12, wherein the collet is sandwichedbetween the zero cap and an upper surface of the recess.
 14. The riflescope of claim 1, wherein the turret chassis subassembly comprises: aspiral cam mechanism having a cam pin engaged thereto, the spiral cammechanism defining a first stop surface and a second stop surface, eachpositioned for engagement by the stop element, wherein the first stopsurface and second stop surface are connected by a channel which atleast partially overlaps itself.
 15. The rifle scope of claim 14 furthercomprising a rotation indicator connected to the stop element.
 16. Therifle scope of claim 1, wherein the turret is an elevation turret.
 17. Arifle scope comprising: a scope body; a movable optical element definingan optical axis connected to the scope body; a turret comprising (A) aturret screw defining a screw axis and operably connected to the opticalelement for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of thescrew, (B) a turret chassis subassembly, and (C) a turret cap at leastpartially overlapping the turret chassis subassembly; and a zero pointadjustment subassembly comprising (a) a zero cap connected to the turretscrew, and (b) a locking mechanism releasably securing the zero cap andthe turret, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lever, a conicalwedge, and a collet.